EP3552136A1

EP3552136A1 - Technique for managing a right of access to a service for a communicating device

Info

Publication number: EP3552136A1
Application number: EP17812029.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Nicolas DUCROT; Julien Sicart; Saïd GHAROUT
Original assignee: Orange SA
Current assignee: Orange SA
Priority date: 2016-12-08
Filing date: 2017-11-27
Publication date: 2019-10-16
Anticipated expiration: 2037-11-27
Also published as: US11210386B2; EP3552136B1; FR3060161A1; WO2018104610A1; US20190332761A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a technique for managing a right of access to a service for a communicating device (20). A security element (22) of the device authenticates a security element (12) of an electrical power supply module (10) subsequent to a detection of a start of distribution of electrical energy to the device so as to power it electrically. These security elements are then associated. The security element of the power supply module then configures the security element of the device, the latter having, once configured, a right of access to a valid service allowing it to access the service and this right of access remaining valid as long as the device is powered by this electrical power supply module.

Description

Technique for managing a right of access to a service for a communicating device

The invention relates to the general field of telecommunications.

The invention relates more particularly to a technique for managing a right of access to a service for a communicating device.

The technique for managing a right of access to a service is in the field of communicating devices with battery or battery power supply.

By communicating or connected device is meant a device capable of exchanging information with other devices. In these devices, there are those who exchange information via a communication network administered by a network operator, with, depending on the case, another device, a communication terminal or a computer equipment of the communication network. . The communication network can rely on mobile cellular network technologies known as 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G as well as LPWA (low power wide area) low power wide area network technologies such as the LoRa network.

From the point of view of the user, the communication by means of so-called long-range networks differs from that by means of so-called low-range networks (such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, WiFi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, etc.) by the following advantages:

independence from intermediate equipment for accessing an extended communication network;

- security: most long-range technologies inherently incorporate security features such as authentication and encryption, which offer a guarantee of native security for the applications implemented on this network;

- Simple configuration and use: there is no need to configure a security key or perform a pairing, operations that can be extremely complex for the user when the device does not include a screen or has limited input / output devices, or for users who are not used to using this type of technology.

To connect a communicating device to a long-range communication network, it is generally necessary to use a subscription to the communication network specific to the communicating device. The communicating device can then connect autonomously and transparently for its user to access points of the communication network compatible with the communication means of the communicating device.

However, it is often not easy for the user of the communicating device to manage the subscription subscription and then configure the communication means of the communicating device in order to access the operator network.

One of the aims of the invention is to remedy the shortcomings / disadvantages of the state of the art and / or to make improvements thereto. According to a first aspect, the subject of the invention is a method for managing a right of access to a service for a communicating device. The method comprises:

an authentication of a security element of a power supply module by a security element of the device at the end of which said security elements are associated, said authentication being triggered by detection of a start of distribution electrical power to said device for electrically powering said device;

a configuration of the security element of the device by the security element of the power supply module, the security element of the device once configured having a right of access to a valid service allowing the device to access to the service and said right of access remaining valid as said device is powered by said power supply module.

The technique of management of right of access to a service originates from a problem noted for a right of access to a communication network. It is however applicable for any service, such as access to a communication network, access to data, access to an application, access to a feature or a combination of these different accesses.

By power supply module is meant a battery or battery intended to be inserted into a communicating device to power the latter.

With this technique, the right of access to a service depends on the power supply of the communicating device by the power supply module. The latter comprises not only an energy capacity to provide the communicating device but also a right to access a service, for example to the communication network. The power supply module thus guarantees the communicating device a right of access to the service as long as it is able to supply electrical energy to the device. The power supply module thus integrates a right of access to the service. When the right of access to a service is a network access right, the power supply module thus guarantees the communicating device a right to communicate via a network as long as it is able to provide information. electrical energy to the device. The power supply module thus integrates a right to communicate using a communication network.

The right of access to a service is no longer available when the power supply module is unloaded or removed.

The user journey is thus simplified: for access to a communication network, the user must not manage a subscription subscription and then configure his communicating device according to his subscription. It is the same for access to a service. It is sufficient for the user to acquire a power supply module able to implement the actions (or steps) of the method for managing a right of access to a service, to insert it into its communicating device. to access the service. The right of access to a service is renewed as soon as the user inserts a new power supply module. The user should not be careful maintaining his subscription with the network operator or even subscribing to the service.

This technique of management of a right of access to a service is particularly well adapted to be implemented in communicating devices, because these are very often powered by power supply modules, such as batteries or batteries, so that they can be easily moved.

This technique is particularly interesting for telecommunications operators or providers of access to long-range communication networks because it allows the implementation of a distribution model of the right of access to a service using a pre-existing distribution network, that is to say that of batteries or batteries. In addition, the user journey is known and controlled from start to finish by a large part of consumers and end users: just buy and insert or change a battery within a device. When the right of access to a service is a right of access to a communication network, also called a network access right, such a technique is likely to facilitate and encourage the emergence of new communicating devices within a network. the Internet of Things industry, because of the problems and bottlenecks it suppresses in terms of access to the long-range communications network. These brakes are both technical and commercial: complexity to install and configure network access, complexity to buy the network access right and consume it.

It is emphasized here that the exchanges between the two security elements are carried out via a proximity connection, such as a wired interface or a wireless link in the near field. The security element of the device is configured to be able to perform the authentication of the security element of the power supply module without requiring exchanges with servers accessible via an extended communication network. For this purpose, the security element of the device has the means necessary for verifying the authenticity of the security element of the power supply module.

The various embodiments or features mentioned below may be added independently or in combination with each other, to the management method as defined above.

In a particular embodiment of the management method, the security element of the power supply module also authenticates the security element of the device. Thus, each of the security elements has the means necessary to verify the authenticity of its peer security element.

In a particular embodiment of the management method, an earlier association with another device is suppressed following said start of distribution of electrical energy. Removing earlier associations between a security element of a power supply module and a security element of a communicating device ensures that a user can not continue to benefit from the access right by feeding his communicating device in a standard way. Once inserted into a communicating device, the actions described above are again implemented by the power supply module.

In a particular embodiment, the management method comprises an invalidation by the security element of the power supply module of the access right available to the security element of the device on detecting a residual electrical energy less than one threshold.

Thus, the power supply module can anticipate its complete discharge and ensure the removal of the right of access in the communicating device.

In a particular embodiment of the management method, said configuration comprises at least one sending of information relating to the validity of the right of access to the security element of the device.

It is thus possible to give the right of access for a given duration and at the expiry of this right, to force a communication between the two security elements.

In a particular embodiment of the management method, the configuration comprises sending a piece of information relating to an access profile to the communication network to be downloaded by the security element of the device.

In this particular embodiment, the security element is an eUICC type card. The security element of the device can then download the access profile which will allow it to then access in an unrestricted manner to a communication network.

In a particular embodiment of the management method, the configuration comprises an activation of the access right stored by the security element of the device.

In a particular embodiment of the management method, the configuration comprises a sending by the security element of the power supply module to the security element of the device of at least one security key.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a power supply module for electrically powering a communicating device. This module includes:

means for electrically powering a device to be powered;

a security element comprising:

a detection module, arranged to detect a start of distribution of electrical energy to said device;

an authentication module, arranged to authenticate itself to a security element of the device at the end of which said security elements are associated;

a configuration module, arranged to configure the security element of the device, the security element of the device once configured having a right of access to a device; a valid service enabling the device to access the service and said access right remaining valid as long as said device is powered by said power supply module.

The advantages stated for the method of management of right of access to a service according to the first aspect can be directly transposed to the power supply module.

According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a communicating device intended to be electrically powered by a power supply module. This device comprises:

a communication module, arranged to communicate with devices of a communication network;

a security element comprising:

a priming module, arranged to start said security element following a start of distribution of electrical energy to said device;

an authentication module, arranged to implement authentication of a security element of the power supply module after which said security elements are associated;

a configuration module, arranged to be configured by the security element of the power supply module, the security element of the device once configured having a right of access to a valid service enabling the device to access to the service and said right of access remaining valid as said device is powered by said power supply module.

The advantages stated for the method of management of right of access to a service according to the first aspect are directly transferable to the communicating device.

According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a program for a power supply module, comprising program code instructions intended to control the execution of those of the actions of the right of access management method to a previously described service. implemented by the power supply module, when this program is executed by this module and a recording medium readable by a power supply module on which is recorded a program for a power supply module.

The advantages stated for the method of management of right of access to a service according to the first aspect can be transposed directly to the program for a power supply module and to the recording medium.

According to a fifth aspect, the invention relates to a program for a communicating device, comprising program code instructions intended to control the execution of those of the actions of the method of management of right of access to a previously described service implemented. by the communicating device, when this program is executed by this device and a recording medium readable by a device on which is recorded a program for a device. The advantages stated for the method of management of right of access to a service according to the first aspect are transferable directly to the program for a communicating device and to the recording medium. The technique of managing a right of access to a service of a communicating device will be better understood by means of the following description of particular embodiments, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a communicating device and a power supply module in a particular embodiment;

FIG. 2a illustrates steps of a method for managing a right of access to a service according to a particular embodiment;

FIG. 2b illustrates steps of a method for managing a right of access to a service according to a particular embodiment;

Figure 3a shows a communicating device according to a particular embodiment;

FIG. 3b represents a security element of a communicating device according to a particular embodiment;

FIG. 3c represents a security element of a power supply module according to a particular embodiment.

Figure 1 shows a communicating device 20 and a power supply module 10 in a particular embodiment.

A device or object communicating or connected, is an object adapted to exchange information via a communication network, with, depending on the case, another object, a communication terminal or a computer equipment of the communication network. Thus, a mobile terminal, a watch adapted to transmit information to a mobile terminal via an extended communication network such as the Internet, a smoke detector adapted to communicate with a remote mobile terminal to signal the presence of smoke in a mobile phone. home are examples of connected objects. In the example described here, the communicating device 20 is a medical monitoring unit, adapted to measure the physical characteristics of the user who wears it, for example its heart rate and to transmit measurements to a remote computing device by the intermediate of a communication network (not shown in Figure 1).

The communication network comprises at least one access network to an extended communication network, for example the Internet network. The access network may be a mobile cellular network, for example of the 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G type, or a LPWA low power wide area network such as the LoRa network. The power supply module 10 comprises, in particular, means 11 arranged to supply electrical energy to a device to be powered and a safety element 12. The means 11 correspond, for example, to an electric battery or battery, arranged to transform an energy of a chemical reaction in electrical energy. Such a battery is for single use and can not be recharged. In another embodiment, the means 11 correspond to a rechargeable battery. In this example, the battery is recharged with a charging device that also manages a recharging of the right of access to the service in the battery.

When the power supply module 10 is inserted or connected to a device to be powered, it discharges by supplying energy to this device.

The format of the power supply module may be based on an existing battery or battery standard, such as LR6, LR3, LR14, 6LR61, CR2032, CR2016, CR2012, CR1220, etc. In another particular embodiment, the format of the power supply module can be based on a battery format specific to the communicating device, adapted to its use, particularly the format, power consumption and connectivity needs thereof.

The security element 12 is a dedicated inviolable platform, including hardware and software, able to securely host an application and its security data. In particular embodiments, the security element 12 is a system on a SoC chip (for "System on Chip"), a secure hardware element type SE (for "Secure Element"), an integrated circuit IC (for "Integrated Circuit"). In another particular embodiment, the security element further provides a trusted application execution environment ("Trusted Execution Environment"). Alternatively, other elements or security mechanisms may be provided, to ensure the security of the management process according to the right of access concerned.

Figure 3c schematically illustrates the security element 12 in a particular embodiment. The security element 12 includes in particular:

a processor 120 for executing code instructions of software modules;

a communication module 121 forming a communication interface with another security element;

a memory zone 122, arranged for storing a program that includes code instructions for implementing the steps of the management method;

a storage memory 123, arranged to store data used during the implementation of the management method;

a detection module 124, arranged to detect a start of distribution of electrical energy to said device;

an authentication module 125, arranged to authenticate with a security element of a powered device, the two security elements being associated once the security element 12 has been authenticated; a configuration module 126, arranged to configure the security element of the device, the security element of the device once configured having a right of access to a valid service allowing the device to access this service and this right of access remaining valid as long as the device is powered.

In a particular embodiment, the authentication module 125 is also arranged to implement an authentication of the security element 22 of the device.

The communicating device 20, as shown in FIG. 1, comprises in particular a receptacle 21, designed to receive a power supply module 10, a security element 22, a block denoted B grouping together all the processing modules of the device communicating. The receptacle 21 is for example molded and accessible by removing a shell from the communicating device 20. The hardware architecture of the communicating device 20 is more specifically described later in connection with FIG. 3a.

The security element 22 is a dedicated inviolable platform, including hardware and software, capable of securely hosting applications and their confidential and cryptographic data and providing a secure application execution environment, for example a security card. UICC type. Alternatively, other elements or security mechanisms can be provided, to ensure the security of the access right management process.

Figure 3b schematically illustrates the security element 22 in a particular embodiment. The security element 22 comprises in particular:

a processor 220 for executing code instructions of software modules;

a communication module 221, forming a communication interface with another security element, via a communicating device;

a memory zone 222, arranged for storing a program that includes code instructions for implementing steps of the management method;

a storage memory 223, arranged to store data used during the implementation of the management method.

a priming module 224, arranged to start said security element following a start of distribution of electrical energy to the device;

an authentication module 225, arranged to implement an authentication of a security element of the power supply module at the end of which the security elements are associated;

a configuration module 226, arranged to be configured by the security element of the power supply module, the security element of the device once configured having a right of access to a valid service allowing the device to access to the service and this right of access remaining valid as the device is powered by the power supply module.

In a particular embodiment, the authentication module 225 is also arranged to authenticate with the security element of the power supply module. In a particular embodiment, the security element 22 is of the eUICC ("embedded universal integrated circuit card") type, also called "eSIM" (of the "embedded Subscriber Identity Module"), or on-board or immovable SIM card, such as in the course of a technical specification within the framework of the GSMA association.

It is emphasized here that the two security elements 12, 22 can be in different forms.

A "access right to a service" or access data, which once made valid by the security element 12 to the security element 22, will enable the communicating device 20 to access a service. This or these access data depend on the service to which the communicating device must access. The service may correspond to access to data available in the communicating device, to a remote server or to another communicating device, access to an application available in the communicating device, on a remote server or on another communicating device, access to a feature or access to a communication network. It is possible to combine several access rights to a service.

When it is a right of access to a communication network, also called network access right, this or these access data depends on the access technology of the communication network to which the communicating device 20 must access.

When the communication network is a mobile network, the security element 22 may correspond to a conventional SIM card which has been previously configured with a network operator. The validation of the access right corresponds, for example, to a sending of a signal or an activation message of the security element 22 or else to an activation of a communication module of the communicating device 20.

Still for this same type of communication network, the security element 22 may correspond to a remotely programmable SIM card, that is to say configurable remotely or "over the air". This technique is known as remote post-allocation of an access profile of a security element. The access right corresponds in this case to an access profile to be downloaded by the security element 22. This access right is sent by the security element 12 to the security element 22. In this mode particular embodiment, the security element 22 comprises a limited access profile (known as a boot profile or "bootstrap") to the network of an operator, allowing only access to a network to download an access profile network, identified by the access right provided by the security element 12. More specifically, an access profile was generated by a subscription data management server, not shown in Figure 1, linked to the operator. The access profile includes a network access application and associated access data (referred to as "credentials" in English), such as cryptographic keys and algorithms. The access profile once installed and authorized allows access to an infrastructure of a given mobile network. It notably makes it possible to authenticate the communicating device 20, more precisely the security element 22 during an access to the network of the operator.

When the communication network is a long-range and low-consumption type network, for example LoRA, the access right corresponds to a security key. In a first particular embodiment, an access data item corresponds to a communication key that enables the communicating device 20 to authenticate with equipment of the communication network. By way of illustrative example, when the communication network corresponds to a LoRa network, the access datum is the LoRa network key, called "Network Key". This network key allows the security element 22 to calculate one or more session keys, called "Network Session Key". This embodiment is suitable when the communicating device 20, more precisely the security element 22, is previously certified by the operator of the communication network. In this embodiment, the security element 12 is able to authenticate the security element 22 or to verify that the security element 22 is trusted. This ensures that the network key is not provided to an unauthorized security element.

In a second particular embodiment, access data directly corresponds to a network session key to be used. This embodiment is suitable when the communicating device 20, more precisely the security element 22, is not previously certified by the operator of the communication network. In this case, no long-term secret is transmitted by the security element 12 of the power supply module 10 to the security element 22 of the communicating device 20. The security element 12 of the power supply module 10 contains the network key and calculates the network session key to use. The security element 22 of the communicating device 20 then regularly interrogates the security element 12 of the power supply module 10 in order to obtain a new network session key.

In another embodiment, the access right corresponds to a radio interface configuration authorization ("over the air") of a network key.

In another embodiment, the right of access to a service is validated by the security element 12 with the security element 22 and allows the communicating device 20 to access the service.

In a particular embodiment, the security element 12 stores a pair of keys: a private key of its own, used to sign data, and an associated public key. A public key certificate, for example an X509 type certificate, has been issued to certify the public key by a certificate issuer. The security element 22 of the communicating device 20 stores the public key certificate of the certificate issuer. This allows the security element 22 to verify locally the certificate of the security element 12.

In another embodiment, each security element 12, 22 stores a pair of keys: a private key of its own, used to sign data, and an associated public key. A public key certificate, for example an X509 type certificate, has been issued for certify the public key by a certificate issuer. Both public key certificates are signed by the same certificate issuer, to allow mutual authentication locally.

The certificates presented may be individual certificates, or group certificates to preserve anonymity of the security element (s).

In a particular embodiment, the authentication is explicit by implementing a zero-disclosure protocol of knowledge. Each security element provides evidence of knowledge of a secret without having to disclose it.

Figure 3a schematically illustrates a communicating device 20 in a particular embodiment. The communicating device 20 comprises in particular:

a processor 200 for executing code instructions of software modules;

a communication module 201, forming a communication interface with a communication network, arranged to communicate with devices of a communication network;

a communication module 202 forming a communication interface with a security element;

a memory zone 203, arranged to store a program that includes code instructions for implementing steps of the management method;

a storage memory 204, arranged to store data used during the implementation of the management method;

a security element 22, as described previously.

Access to a service for the communicating device depends in particular on a right of access to the service.

In the particular case where the right of access to a service is a network access right, the communication module 201 is operational when a valid access right is configured.

It is emphasized here that the communicating device 20 also comprises other processing modules, not shown in Figure 3a, arranged to implement the different communicating device functions.

In a particular embodiment, the communication module 221 is in particular arranged to communicate with the communication module 121 by means of a physical interface for example wireframe. The communication module 121 is in particular arranged to communicate with the communication module 221 by means of this physical interface.

In another particular embodiment, the communication module 221 is in particular arranged to communicate with the communication module 121 by means of a near-field or short-range wireless communication protocol. The communication module 121 is in particular arranged to communicate with the communication module 221 by means of this communication protocol. In a particular embodiment, the exchanges between the two security elements 12, 22 are effected via a secure communication channel.

The method of managing a right of access to a service implemented by the security element 12 of the power supply module and the security element 22 will now be described in relation to FIGS. 2a and 2b.

FIG. 2a illustrates steps of the method for managing a right of access to a service for the communicating device 20 making it possible to configure the security element 22 with the right of access to a service.

The remainder of the description is for illustrative purposes in the particular case of the network access right.

In the initial state, the communicating device 20 is not powered. The power supply module 10 (more precisely the power supply means 11) does not deliver electrical energy. The communicating device 20 can not access the communication network.

The power supply module 10 is inserted in the communicating device 20 in the zone 21 which is provided for this purpose. The communicating device 20 and the security element 22 are then supplied with electrical energy by the power supply module 10. The security element 12 is also supplied with electrical energy.

In a step F1, the security element 22 starts a boot program.

In a step E1, the security element 12 detects a start of distribution of electrical energy by the power supply module 10 to the communicating device 20 and to the security element 22. This detection (following the start of distribution of electrical energy) triggers a step E2, in which the security element 12 removes an earlier association with a communicating device. Thus, the security element 12 mates again with each insertion in a communicating device, as long as the power supply module 10 still has electrical energy.

This detection of a start of distribution of electrical energy to the communicating device 20 also triggers an authentication of the security element 12 of the power supply module 10 by the security element 22 of the communicating device 20 at the end of which these security elements 12, 22 are associated.

Specifically, the security element 22 of the device contacts in a step F2 the security element 12 of the power supply module 10 and authenticates it. This authentication is performed for example by means of a public key certificate stored in the security element 12 of the power supply module 10. It is recalled here that this certificate is signed by a certificate issuer. In a particular embodiment, the security element 22 of the communicating device 20 has a certificate of public key of the issuer of certificate, in order to implement authentication locally. This authentication allows guarantee that the power supply module 10 is authorized by the network operator to supply and configure a network access right.

If this authentication fails, the power supply module 10 stops supplying power to the communicating device 20.

In another particular embodiment, in a step E3, the security element 12 of the power supply module 10 also authenticates the security element 22 of the communicating device 20. The authentication is then mutual. This authentication is carried out for example by means of the public key certificates stored in the security elements 12, 22. This mutual authentication makes it possible to guarantee that the power supply module 10 is authorized by the network operator to configure a network. network access right and that the communicating device 20 is authorized by the same network operator to access the communication network. If this mutual authentication fails, the power supply module 10 stops supplying power to the communicating device 20.

When the security element 22 has authenticated the security element 12, or in the other embodiment, when the two security elements 12, 22 are mutually authenticated, they are then paired or associated. In a step E4, the security element 12 stores an identifier of the security element 22 of the communicating device 20 with which it has mated. In a step F3, the security element 22 stores an identifier of the security element 12 of the power supply module 10 with which it has mated. This completes the phase φΐ of pairing or association between the power supply module 10 and the communicating device 20.

Once this pairing (or association) has been carried out, in a phase φ2, the security element 12 of the power supply module 10 configures the security element 22 of the communicating device 20, so that the latter has a right of access. valid network access allowing access to the communication network.

In a step F4, the security element 22 requests (message M1) a network access right to the security element 12. This request is received by the security element 12 in a step E5. Still in this step E5, the security element 12 returns (message M2) the network access right to the security element 22, which receives it in a step F5.

In a step F6, the security element 22 stores the right of access received in the memory zone 223. The access right remains valid as the communicating device 20 is electrically powered by the power supply module. More precisely, the access right remains valid as long as the two security elements 12, 22 are matched. When the power supply module 10 is removed, the communicating device 20 is no longer powered and the network access right is removed. It is the same when the power supply module 10 is discharged. The validity of the network access right is thus linked to a power supply of the communicating device 20. The access right thus gives access access to the network, as long as the communicating device 20 is powered by the power supply module. Indeed, a communicating device 20 which accesses the network significantly will consume more quickly the electrical power of the power supply module 10, which limits the period of validity of its right of access. It is thus advantageous to link an electric power available from a power supply module 10 to a network access right.

In a first embodiment, the security element 12 activates a right of access stored by the security element 22 of the device 20. More specifically, the security element 12 sends a signal or an activation message of the security element 22 or else an activation command of a communication module of the communicating device 20.

In a second embodiment, the security element 12 sends information relating to an access profile to the communication network to be downloaded by the security element 22 of the device. More specifically, it controls a download of an access profile by the security element 22. This access profile to download is identified by an activation code AC. As defined in Section 4.1 of the GSMA Technical Specification "SGP.22 - RSP Technical Specification" v.1.1 dated June 9, 2016 (available on the GSMA's website at http://www.gsma.com). com / newsroom / all-documents / sgp-22-technical-specification-vl-l /), an activation code AC corresponds to a string of characters and includes different pieces of information separated by a "$" character. The activation code AC includes an address of a server to contact to obtain the access profile, a profile access token and a server identifier.

In a third embodiment, the security element 12 sends a security key, more specifically a network key, allowing the security element 22 to calculate one or more session keys.

In a fourth embodiment, the security element 12 sends at least one security key, more specifically a session key. The security element 22 then periodically interrogates the security element 12 in order to obtain a new session key.

In a fifth embodiment, the security element 12 sends a radio interface configuration authorization of a network key.

In a particular embodiment, the security element 12 also sends information relating to the validity of the right of access to the security element 22 of the communicating device 20. This information corresponds for example to a period of validity of the right. access. Thus, the security element 22 again requests a network access right when the precedent is no longer valid. This helps to secure access to the network. This information may also correspond to a maximum rate information to which the communicating device 20 is entitled to access the communication network.

In a particular embodiment, in a phase φ3, a regular mechanism for verifying the access right is implemented by the security element 22. In a step F7, it will thus verify periodically that the network access right is valid by a simple exchange with the security element 12 of the power supply module (step E6). This regular check of the network access right may consist of an authentication of the security element 12 of the power supply module by the security element 22 of the communicating device.

In a particular embodiment, the security element 12 also transmits information relating to the percentage of remaining access rights (corresponding to the percentage of electrical energy already consumed). The user of the communicating device can be notified of this information via a human-machine interface.

Once the electrical power of the power supply module 10 has been consumed, the communicating device 20 is no longer powered and the network access right is no longer valid. When the communicating device 20 is powered again, a new authentication is implemented, leading to a new pairing and a new network access right.

It is the same in case of removal of the power module 10.

If the power supply module 10 still contains electrical energy, it is again matched when it is inserted into a communicating device.

FIG. 2b illustrates steps of the method for managing a network access right according to a particular embodiment. In a step E10, the security element 12 detects that the residual electric power of the power supply module is below a threshold. In this case, still in this step E10, the security element 12 controls (message M10) an invalidation of the network access right available to the security element 22 of the communicating device 20. In a step F10, the element security 22 receives this command and erases in a step Fi l the right network access he had previously stored. The security element 22 acknowledges by a Mi l message the deletion of the network access right. The user of the communicating device can be informed of this deletion via a human-machine interface.

In a particular embodiment, the security element 22 transmits to a server of the operator a notification indicating that the network access right has been used by the communicating device 20 and must be revoked.

The embodiments that have been described are based on a single power supply module 10. Some communicating devices may require the combination of several modules 10.

At the electrical level, the energy combination is performed in a manner similar to that performed for standard modules.

In a particular embodiment, the security element 22 mates with each of the security elements 12 of the power supply modules. The security element 22 then has the network access right when it has received a secondary network access right of each of the security elements 12 (for each of the power supply modules). The device communicating 20 accesses the communication network only when the sufficient number of modules 10 is inserted and therefore the corresponding number of security elements 12 is matched.

In a particular embodiment, the network access right is determined by combining the secondary access rights obtained from each of the security elements 12. In the exemplary embodiment for the LoRa network, for illustrative purposes, a network key used by the communicating device 20 is calculated according to the network keys received from the various security elements 12.

The regular mechanism for verifying the network access right is then implemented by the security element 22 for all the paired security elements 12.

Embodiments have been described in a particular case where the right of access to a service is a network access right, allowing the communicating device to access a communication network.

This description is easily transposable to the more general case of a right of access to a service, such as:

access to one or more data available in the communicating device, on a remote server or on another communicating device;

access to an application or a set of applications, available in the communicating device, on a remote server or even on another communicating device;

- access to a feature;

- a combination of access rights to different services.

It is understood that this technique of management of an access right makes it possible to simplify the experience of users of communicating device. It is sufficient for a user to purchase power supply modules identified as being compatible with their communicating device. No subscription to an operator is to be made. The user simultaneously acquires the electrical energy and the right of access to a service. No access data configuration is to be performed at the communicating device 20.

No limitation is attached to these various embodiments and the skilled person is able to define others conditioning a right of access to a service based on available electrical energy in a module. power supply.

The management technique of an access right is implemented by means of software and / or hardware components. In this context, the term "module" may correspond in this document to both a software component, a hardware component or a set of hardware and / or software components, capable of implementing a function or a set of functions, as described above for the module concerned.

A software component corresponds to one or more computer programs, one or more subroutines of a program, or more generally to any element of a program or software. Such a software component is stored in memory then loaded and executed by a data processor of a physical entity and is able to access the hardware resources of this physical entity (memories, recording media, communication buses, input / output electronic boards, user interfaces, etc.).

In the same way, a material component corresponds to any element of a material set (or hardware). It may be a programmable hardware component or not, with or without an integrated processor for running software. This is for example an integrated circuit, a smart card, an electronic card for executing a firmware, etc.

In a particular embodiment, the modules 124, 125, 126 are arranged to implement those steps of the previously described access rights management method, implemented by the power supply module. These are preferably software modules comprising software instructions for executing those of the steps (or actions) of the previously described management method, implemented by a power supply module. The invention therefore also relates to:

a program for a power supply module, comprising program code instructions intended to control the execution of the steps (or actions) of the previously described management method, when said program is executed by this power supply module; ;

- A recording medium readable by a power supply module on which is recorded the program for a power supply module.

In a particular embodiment, the modules 224, 225, 226 are arranged to implement those of the steps of the previously described access right management method, implemented by the communicating device. These are preferably software modules comprising software instructions for executing those of the steps (or actions) of the previously described management method, implemented by a communicating device. The invention therefore also relates to:

a program for a communicating device, comprising program code instructions intended to control the execution of those of the steps (or actions) of the previously described management method, when said program is executed by this communicating device;

- A recording medium readable by a communicating device on which is recorded the program for a communicating device.

The software modules can be stored in or transmitted by a data carrier. This may be a hardware storage medium, for example a CD-ROM, a magnetic diskette or a hard disk, or a transmission medium such as an electrical signal, optical or radio, or a telecommunications network.

Claims

A method of managing a service access right for a communicating device (20), said method comprising:

an authentication (E3, F2) of a security element (12) of a power supply module (10) by a security element (22) of the device at the end of which said security elements are associated said authentication being triggered by a detection (El) of a start of distribution of electrical energy to said device for electrically powering said device; a configuration (E5, F5) of the security element of the device by the security element of the power supply module, the security element of the device once configured having a right of access to a valid service allowing the device to access the service and said access right remaining valid as said device is powered by said power supply module.

2. Management method according to claim 1, wherein an earlier association with another device is suppressed following said start of distribution of electrical energy.

3. The management method according to claim 1, comprising an invalidation by the security element of the power supply module of the access right available to the security element of the device on detecting a residual electrical energy below a threshold. .

4. Management method according to claim 1, wherein said configuration comprises at least one sending information relating to the validity of the right of access to the security element of the device.

5. The management method according to claim 1, wherein the configuration comprises sending information relating to a communication network access profile to be downloaded by the security element of the device.

6. Management method according to claim 1, wherein the configuration comprises an activation of the access right stored by the security element of the device.

7. Management method according to claim 1, wherein the configuration comprises a sending by the security element of the power supply module to the security element of the device of at least one security key.

8. Power supply module (10) for electrically powering a communicating device (20), said module comprising: means (11) for electrically powering a device to be powered;

a security element (12) comprising:

a detection module (124), arranged to detect a start of distribution of electrical energy to said device;

an authentication module (125), arranged to authenticate with a security element (22) of the device after which said security elements are associated;

a configuration module (126) arranged to configure the security element of the device, the security element of the device once configured having a right of access to a valid service allowing the device to access the service and said access right remaining valid as long as said device is powered by said power supply module.

Communicating device (20) to be electrically powered by a power supply module (10), said device comprising:

a communication module (201) arranged to communicate with devices of a communication network;

a security element (22) comprising:

a priming module (224), arranged to start said security element following a start of distribution of electrical energy to said device;

an authentication module (225) arranged to implement an authentication of a security element (12) of the power supply module at the end of which said security elements are associated;

a configuration module (226), arranged to be configured by the security element of the power supply module, the security element of the device once configured having a right of access to a valid service allowing the device to access the service and said right of access remaining valid as said device is powered by said power supply module.

Program for a power supply module, comprising program code instructions for controlling the execution of those of the actions of the network access right management method according to one of the claims 1 to 6. implemented by the module, when said program is executed by said module.

11. Recording medium readable by a power supply module on which the program according to claim 10 is recorded.

12. Program for a communicating device, comprising program code instructions for controlling execution of those of the actions of the management method according to one of claims 1 to 6 implemented by the device, when said program is executed by said device.

13. Recording medium readable by a communicating device on which the program according to claim 12 is recorded.